The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has strongly criticised the European Commission’s handling of the recent Brazilian beef recall, describing the response as “pathetic” following the detection of illegal hormone residues in imported beef entering the EU market.

IFA President Francie Gorman said the Commission’s position that it is “up to Brazil” to address the issue is unacceptable, particularly after EU audits concluded that Brazilian procedures designed to prevent the banned hormone oestradiol from entering the food chain could not be relied upon. He argued that this response fails to protect both consumers and EU producers operating under strict regulatory controls.

According to the IFA, the latest recalls reinforce concerns raised during an association-led investigation in Brazil last month, which highlighted weaknesses in monitoring and enforcement. Gorman has called on the Commission to publish the full audit report without delay and to pause all beef imports from Brazil until robust guarantees are in place.

Source article:
Longford Leader – “IFA say EU Commission response to Brazilian beef recall ‘pathetic’”  | 14 December 2025

UK consumers increased their spending on meat by £500 million year on year, as buying habits continue to shift away from meat-free alternatives, according to analysis reported by The Telegraph. Beef led the growth, with sales up £418 million, while poultry spending rose by a further £219 million, underlining renewed demand for traditional protein sources.

The report links the change in purchasing behaviour to health and nutrition trends, including increased focus on protein intake and the growing influence of weight-loss medications, which are altering consumer diets. At the same time, demand for meat-free products has weakened, with sales of plant-based alternatives falling by £23.2 million, amid concerns over ultra-processed foods.

Source article:
The Telegraph – “Shoppers spend £500m more on meat as vegan boom fades” | 13 December 2025

UK meat exporters are facing significant and sustained financial losses as post-Brexit inspection regimes continue to disrupt trade with the EU, according to industry warnings reported by Farmers Guardian. British meat hauliers and farming businesses say the current system has become increasingly difficult to operate under, raising concerns over the long-term viability of exports.

At the centre of the issue are SIVEP border inspections carried out by French authorities on UK meat consignments entering the EU. Exporters report frequent delays, rejections and added costs, even where products meet UK and EU food safety standards. These challenges are eroding confidence among operators and increasing the risk profile of cross-Channel movements.

Source: Farmers Guardian
Date: 13 December 2025

Demand for Irish beef remains strong across key export markets as the sector heads into the Christmas trading period, according to the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA). The organisation reports that extremely tight cattle supplies across the UK and EU are underpinning demand, despite broader cost pressures in the supply chain.

The IFA Livestock Chair noted that market conditions have supported a recent strengthening in the Bord Bia Prime Export Benchmark Price, reflecting sustained buyer interest at a time when availability is increasingly constrained. Global beef supplies are described as critically low, adding further support to export demand.

Looking ahead, supply pressures are expected to intensify. Teagasc has forecast a 4% reduction in Ireland’s prime beef production in 2026, driven by lower cattle numbers coming through the system. For exporters, processors and buyers, the outlook points to continued competition for limited volumes, with pricing expected to remain firm into the new year.

Source: Irish Farmers’ Association

Date: 12/12/2025

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has announced a consultation on a revised support system for small abattoirs in England and Wales, aimed at improving viability and resilience within the sector. The move comes amid ongoing concerns about the decline in the number of small-scale slaughterhouses and the implications for local supply chains and rural economies.

Under the proposals, the FSA is seeking industry feedback on a range of measures designed to streamline regulatory requirements, improve access to technical and business support, and help smaller operations manage compliance costs.

Representatives from producer groups and meat processors have welcomed the initiative, but cautioned that support mechanisms must be practical, adequately resourced and carefully aligned with existing food safety obligations. If adopted, revised support could help rebalance pressures between larger facilities and smaller abattoirs that service niche markets, speciality processors and local food businesses.

Source: Farmers Weekly | Date: 12/12/2025

Global pork and beef production is forecast to slow sharply in 2026, with output expected to contract for the first time in six years, according to RaboResearch’s Global Protein Outlook for 2026. The report signals a more challenging operating environment for the global animal protein sector following several years of expansion.

RaboResearch attributes the slowdown to a combination of cyclical and structural factors. In beef, changing market dynamics in North America and Brazil are expected to limit production growth, while China’s continued efforts to rebalance its pork sector are curbing output following earlier over-expansion. Together, these shifts are tightening global supply fundamentals.

The report also highlights ongoing disruption from animal disease outbreaks, including African swine fever and avian influenza, which continue to restrict trade flows and add cost pressure across supply chains.

For buyers and wholesalers, the outlook points to a more constrained and less predictable global meat market, with supply management and sourcing flexibility becoming increasingly important over the coming year.

Source article:
Pig World – “Global pork and beef sectors facing slowdown in 2026 – RaboResearch” | 12 December 2025

The Red Tractor assurance scheme has confirmed it is undertaking a comprehensive review of its farm standards, marking the first major overhaul since an independent review called for a “fundamental reset” of the scheme. The review aims to simplify compliance, reduce administrative burden on farmers and cut unnecessary red tape across UK agriculture.

According to the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA), the review will examine how audits are carried out, including the frequency and format of inspections. Options under consideration include greater use of remote assessments, alongside more flexible and modular audit structures that better reflect different farm types and production systems.

Source: British Meat Processors Association | Date: 12 December 2025